Roger E. Bater, 88, of Coldwater, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Arlington of Naples in Naples, FL.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Roger’s grandson Pastor Matthew Fox officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, March 24, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Roger was born October 30, 1934 in Marquette, MI to Stanley & Edna (Showerman) Bater (Stanley changed his last name from Bator to Bater ). His mother died 2 weeks after giving birth, so he was raised by his grandparents, Edwin and Alda Showerman.
Roger married Rosalee A. (Rathbun) Hodge on April 4, 1975 in Marshall, MI.
Mr. Bater was a construction inspector for the Michigan Department of Transportation for 39 ½ years, retiring in 1995. He oversaw the construction of I-69 as well as many other Michigan roads throughout his career. In 1990, Roger received the Director’s Award for outstanding service, one of ten to receive the awards out of 4,500 employees.
Roger enjoyed hunting, camping and boating. Together with his wife, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally and especially loved cruises.
Roger is survived by his wife Rosalee; his children Virginia (Bruce) Richards of Grand Rapids, Doug (Pam) Reed of Hastings, Julia (Larry) Fox of Grandville, Teresa (Tim) Riegling of Grand Rapids, Scott (Stacey) Hodge of Coldwater; his sister Lyla Rose of Marquette; his cousin Janet Blythe of Holland; close friend John Pearson of Kalamazoo; 11 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sisters Arlene Mitchell and June Bater; his half-brothers Stanley Bator, Leonard Bater; his granddaughter Dana LaHaie; his great grandson Reed LaHaie and special cousin Ola JudeJohn.
Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of Branch County.
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